Health, Recipes & Nutrition

Holi- The festival of colors, which marks the advent of spring, is around the corner. Traditionally it was played with natural dyes made from flowers. In Vrindavan for example, holi is still celebrated according to tradition, with rose petals and tuber rose.

But today, tradition has been replaced with toxic and synthetic Holi colours, which are available in the market, These chemicals colors, made from substances like industrial dyes are not only a health hazard but also contribute to significant amount of pollution of local water sources.

We are also exposing our children to the toxic effects which come from touching and inhaling these chemicals.

Below we have listed a list of chemicals usually found in colors and their harmful effects on humans.

COLOR

CHEMICAL FOUND

HARMFUL EFFECTS

Black

Lead Oxide

Hurts Kidney & Brain, Cancer causing substance.

Green

Copper Sulphate

Swelling Of Eyes & sometimes temporary blindness.

Silver

Aluminum Bromide

Carcinogenic substance, may lead to cancer.

Red

Mercury Sulphide

Causes Skin Cancer

Violet

Chromium Iodide

Causes Asthma & Allergy.

Source: toxicslink & greenbhu

Instead of chemical colors, choose Eco-friendly, non toxic Holi colors. These colors are usually vegetable & plant parts like Haldi, Kumkum, Indigo, Rice, Arrowroot etc they will not harm your skin at all and consume 50% less water to wash off.

Hence this Holi be wise and choose only herbal non-toxic Holi colors which are derived from natural sources and are safe for you, your family & environment.